Question

In the process of nuclear fusion, large amounts of energy, at temperatures of approximately 120 million Kelvin, are required to join two nuclei into a single, heavier nucleus. Why does the process of fusion require so much energy in order to take place?
A) to allow the electrons to enter the nucleus
B) to remove the electrons from the electron clouds
C) to cause the two nuclei to slow down and find each other
D) to overcome the electrostatic forces between opposing nuclei

Answer 1

D) To overcome the electrostatic forces between opposing nuclei.

Answer 2

Answer:The correct answer is option D.

Explanation:

The Coulombic forces of electrostatic force is given by:

$F=k\frac{q_1q_2}{r^2}$

F: Force between the charges

r = distance of separation between the two charges

$q_,q_2$ = Respective charges

• If the two charges are like they will repel each other
• If two charges opposite they will attract each other.

During the nuclear fusion large amount of the heat is required to fuse two nuclei into single nucleus. Since ,the nucleus is made up protons positively charges particles.

The large amount of energy is used to overcome the repulsive force acting between the two nuclei due to the presence of positive charges.

Hence, the correct option is  D.